Wednesday, April 27, 2011

A Strange But Wonderful Easter

It started out like any other Easter, with a nice dinner hosted by my mother. I did think it was rather odd when my brother and sister-in-law arrived in two vehicles, but I didn't get around to asking why.

Then after dinner, while we sat around watching the kids devour way too much chocolate my brother said, "okay, let's start going through the boxes." What?

{a painting by my grandmother}

Then he proceeded to bring in box after box, pulled from storage in his attic...hence the need for the two cars. But let me back up. My parents now live in the house that was originally my grandparent's home. It is such a kick for me to bring my kids to this house, seeing them excited to arrive at their grandparents house, remembering how thrilled I was whenever I got to visit my grandparents in this very house! Well, after they could no longer live in the home on their own, my brother took the lead in packing up their belongings, many of which ended up in his attic. I had no idea. So on Easter, box by box, he opened and shared the contents, each of us chiming in if it was something we wanted, if it should be donated to Goodwill or taken to an antique store. This went for a couple hours, and I can't begin to tell you what fun it was! I absolutely completely adored my grandparents and I couldn't believe all the treasures we got to visit again, so many carrying wonderful memories. My kids were over the moon as well, getting to pick a selection of treasures to take home themselves.

One of Isabella and Max's favorite picks, (that was actually my mothers, I have no idea how it ended up in these boxes) was a timer of all things! Looking at it I think of all the Saturday mornings spent baking cookies with my mom and brothers, closely watching the time tick down, impatient for the ding so I could eat a big cookie!

My eyes got big when these botanical prints came out...they hung in the hallway and I loved them.

Then I heard "grandma's paint by numbers", looking up I nearly screamed in delight!
Okay, I actually did.

These hung in my grandparent's bedroom. I remember them from when I was a tiny girl, thinking wow, that place looks amazing, I want to go there someday. Max insists they will be hung in his room, we'll see!

And then out came a painting by my grandmother that she just adored, a bouquet of flowers painted on black velvet. Yes, can you get more tacky? But it is beautiful, all chipped, worn and faded. It needs to be stretched and re-framed, but when it does I'll show pictures.

What a happy day, it felt like I got a little of my grandparents back and was able to share a little of them with Isabella and Max. Certainly an unorthodox way to spend Easter, but it's one I won't forget.

so amazing and special to have your grandparents at Easter again..at least in spirit...I love things like this..what a wonderful time and with your family, going back over memories and also for sharing with your own kids too.....maureen

I absolutely LOVED visiting my grandparents house growing up. When they sold in I went around and took pictures of every inch so I would never forget it. Such a treasure to still have pieces of those memories for you and your children;) What a great easter!

What a sweet time you must of had. There is nothing better then having a piece of family history in your own home.I have only a couple of things from my parents. But the amount of joy they bring me is unmeasurable.

How wonderful that you will forever have these beautiful reminders of your grandparents. Every time you look at them it will bring back fond memories. I have two of my grandparents paintings in my home- one that my Nana did herself- and it feels like I have a piece of them with me. Thank you for sharing this!

What fun! My cousin recently sent me a needlepoint wall hanging of a Paris street scene that my grandmother made. I too screeched in delight to see it again. Totally took me back to visiting her during my childhood and staring at that scene and dreaming.Cheers~T

Talk about a special celebration! I love that your kids get to visit their grandparents in the same home that you visited yours. And the painting on black velvet....ooh, can't wait to see it framed and hung in your beautiful home!Cathy

Janell, it sounds like an amazing and special Easter. How great is it to share sweet memories and family history with your children. Inheriting family treasures always bring back fond memories and wonderful times.

It sounds like the perfect Easter day to me!! Afterall it is about family and memories and time spent together. You not only were with your family in person but in spirit too. Thank you for sharing!!Sweet Sweet story,Kathysue

What a wonderful surprise for you, and very special. Loads of lovely memories i expect,and how special that your children now get to enjoy visiting their grandparents in the same house that you did too!Glad you had such a great Easter!Gill

I just love this post, Janell. What a treat to go through things from the past and to be able to share this with your kids. I have my grandmother's dining table and china and I love the memories I have of these things from my childhood. What a perfect Easter you had! xo

Your Easter sounds wonderful-all family and joy. I think you will make your grandmother's painting on black velvet look so chic by the time you are done with it. I so envy the way you integrate the new and old and piece things together from nothing practically and it turns out so fabulous and consistent with your decor. I also wanted to say I love the new picture of yourself by your blog title. You can't be fifty?? You look so glowing and your skin looks flawless. Very fitting picture for your very lovely blog. Thanks very much-I so enjoy your posts everyday!!!

Hi Kris,If you click on the link on the menu bar of this blog at the upper right hand side, "e-zine", that will take you to it.

Also, the subscriber email did get sent and 1000's have opened the email, I am not sure why you did not get yours. Did you confirm your subscription after you submitted your info? If not, you may want to try subscribing again. I hope this helps.

What a wonderful way to spend a holiday, reliving your family's history! Janell, I want to tell you how much I LOVE House of Fifty. The photography is amazing, the interviews are great and I especially like that you've included recipes, organizing tips and SHOES! Fabulous job, I can't wait for the next issue!

Wow what a memorable Easter you had..one you will all remember for a long long time to come. That is what memories are all about. I loved the way the pictures told a beautiful story. Thank you for sharing it.

It sounds like the perfect Easter, Janell. A day spent with loving family, wonderful memories and sentimental treasures. How special! I love that Max wants to hang "Grandma's paint by numbers" in his room.

Yes, Max and I nearly got into a bidding war when the paint by numbers hit the auction block...that is nearly what the event was like. A really fun celebration. Both Max and I were calling out, I want them, I want them. I don't know quite where they will fit in his room, but if it's important to him we'll find a place!

Oh my gosh, how cool. My Grandma had an old trunk I used to get into (not literally) and there were some cool things inside. I remember a fox stole I used to play with. It's mouth had a clamp-type thing that made it look like the mouth was clipped to the rear end of the fox. Oh, those were the days. It's so cool you have the paint-by-number paintings she painted. Thanks for sharing.

WOW !! absolutely adore the painting by numbers paintings !! I would so buy them in a store ,, actually the other day I did buy one for 50 cts and my friend coudn't believe it as she said they were so ugly . I once saw in some designers log cabin a whole wall of them and they looked great. I was lucky enough to stay ove a week end at Philippe Starck's beach house and he had many such small naive paintings in his house all bought for nothing despite his means !! but then again that's the fun.

That's a beautiful thing! I have four of my grandmother's purses and use them everywhere. She was a purse addict and had a bunch designed for her that her friend made!! They are super chic and I always feel I have part of her with me.